Measurement of electric and/or magnetic properties in organisms using induced currents

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus use induced currents to determine an individual&#39;s bone integrity. The apparatus induces a current into an individual&#39;s bone then detects resultant electromagnetic signals using a galvanometer or other sensing mechanism. Circuits within the apparatus store and modify these signals to obtain a unique characteristic profile. To determine if the individual has bone defects, this profile is compared with stored profiles normally associated with bone fractures, breaks, and other defects.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/151,332 filed Sep. 11, 1998, abandoned.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/974,781 filed Nov. 20, 1997, byJuliana H. J. Brooks titled “Method and System for Biometric RecognitionUsing Unique Internal Distinguishing Characteristics”, incorporated byreference herein.

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/099,995 filed on evendate with this application, titled “Detection, Identification,Augmentation and/or Disruption of Inorganic, Organic, or BiologicalStructures Using Resonant Acoustic and/or Acoustic-EM Energy”,incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the detection of electricand/or magnetic properties in an individual living organism. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to biometric recognitionwherein electric and/or magnetic properties of an organism are used torecognize the organism.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Security methods based on memory data encoded into magnetic cards suchas personal identification numbers or passwords are widely used intoday's business, industrial, and governmental communities. With theincrease in electronic transactions and verification there has also beenan increase in lost or stolen cards, and forgotten, shared, or observedidentification numbers or passwords. Because the magnetic cards offerlittle security against fraud or theft there has been a movement towardsdeveloping more secure methods of automated recognition based on unique,externally detectable, personal physical anatomic characteristics suchas fingerprints, iris pigment pattern and retina prints, or externalbehavior characteristics; for example, writing style and voice patterns.Known as biometrics, such techniques are effective in increasing thereliability of recognition systems by identifying a person bycharacteristics that are unique to that individual. Some representativetechniques include fingerprint recognition focusing on external personalskin patterns, hand geometry concentrating on personal hand shape anddimensions, retina scanning defining a person's unique blood vesselarrangement in the retina of the eye, voice verification distinguishingan individual's distinct sound waves, and signature verification.

Biometric applications may include but are not limited to, for instancephysical access to restricted areas or applications; and access tocomputer systems containing sensitive information used by the militaryservices, intelligence agencies, and other security-critical Federalorganizations. Also, there are law enforcement applications whichinclude home incarceration, parole programs, and physical access intojails or prisons. Also, government sponsored entitlement programs thatrely on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) foraccess are important to deter fraud in social service programs byreducing duplicate benefits or even continued benefits after arecipient's demise.

Biometric recognition can be used in “identification mode”, where thebiometric system identifies a person from the a entire enrolledpopulation by searching a database for a match. A system can also beused in “verification mode”, where the biometric system authenticates aperson's claimed identity from his/her previously enrolled pattern ofbiometric data. In many biometric applications there is little marginfor any inaccuracy in either the identification mode or the verificationmode.

Current commercially available biometric methods and systems are limitedbecause they use only externally visible distinguishing characteristicsfor identification; for example, fingerprints, iris patterns, handgeometry and blood vessel patterns. To date, the most widely used methodis fingerprinting but there are several problems which have beenencountered including false negative identifications due to dirt,moisture and grease on the print being scanned. Additionally, someindividuals have insufficient detail of the ridge pattern on their printdue to trauma or a wearing down of the ridge structure. More important,some individuals are reluctant to have their fingerprint patternsmemorialized because of the ever increasing accessibility to personalinformation.

Other techniques, currently in use are iris pigment patterns and retinascanning. These methods are being introduced in many bank systems, butnot without controversy. There are health concerns that subjecting eyesto electromagnetic radiation may be harmful and could presentunidentified risks.

Another limitation of current biometric systems, is the relative easewith which external physical features can be photographed, copied orlifted. This easy copying of external characteristics lends itself quitereadily to unauthorized duplication of fingerprints, eye scans, andother biometric patterns. With the advancement of cameras, videos,lasers and synthetic polymers there is technology available to reproducea human body part with the requisite unique physical patterns and traitsof a particular individual. In high level security systems, wherepresentation of a unique skin or body pattern needs to be verified forentry, a counterfeit model could be produced, thereby allowingunauthorized entry into a secured facility by an imposter. As thesecapabilities evolve and expand there is a greater need to verify whetherthe body part offered for identification purposes is a counterfeitreproduction or the severed or lifeless body part of an authorizedindividual.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,950 (Osten), incorporated by reference herein,suggests that verifying an exterior specific characteristic of anindividual such as fingerprint in correlation with a non-specificcharacteristic such as oxygen level in the blood can determine if theperson seeking authentication is actually present. This method may beeffective but still relies on exterior characteristics for verificationof the individual. Also, the instrumentation is complicated having dualoperations which introduce more variables to be checked before identityis verified.

Current biometric systems are also limited in size. For example, afingerprint scanner must be at least as big as the fingerprint it isscanning. Other limitations include the lack of moldability andflexibility of some systems which prevents incorporation into flexibleand moving objects. Finally, the complex scanning systems in currentbiometric methods are expensive and this high cost prevents thewidespread use of these systems in all manner of keyless entryapplications.

Accordingly, there is a need for more compact, moldable, flexible,economical and reliable automated biometric recognition methods andsystems which use non-visible physical characteristics which are noteasily copied, photographed, or duplicated. This would eliminateconcerns regarding fingerprints that are unidentifiable due to dirt,grease, moisture or external surface deterioration; potential risksinvolved in eye scanning; costly instrumentation that depends onexternal characteristics, and the possibility of deceiving a system withan artificial reproduction of a unique external characteristic used foridentification.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism for sensing electric and/or magnetic properties of theorganism. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for recognizing theorganism. The recognizing mechanism is in communication with the sensingmechanism.

The present invention pertains to a method for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The method comprises the steps ofsensing electric and/or magnetic properties of the organism. Then thereis the step of recognizing the organism from the property.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism having a contact area of less than 2.0 centimeters squared toidentify an attribute of the organism. The sensing mechanism produces asignal corresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises amechanism for recognizing the organism from the attribute. The sensingmechanism is in communication with the recognizing mechanism so therecognizing mechanism receives the signal from the sensing mechanism.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism having a thickness of less than 0.2 centimeters to identify anattribute of the organism. The sensing mechanism produces a signalcorresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises a mechanism forrecognizing the organism from the attribute. The sensing mechanism is incommunication with the recognizing mechanism so the recognizingmechanism receives the signal from the sensing mechanism.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism for sensing an attribute of the organism. The sensingmechanism produces a signal corresponding to the attribute. Theapparatus comprises a mechanism for recognizing the organism from theattribute with an accuracy of greater than one in a billion.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism which is moldable into a shape having a non-flat surface. Thesensing mechanism senses an attribute of the organism and produces asignal corresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises amechanism for recognizing the organism from the attribute. Therecognizing mechanism is in communication with the sensing mechanism. Inthe preferred embodiment, the electrodes can be concave, flat, convex,or a combination thereof, lending them to molding into numerous devices.The electrode simply needs to contact the skin of the subjectindividual.

Characteristics of an organism can be detected by itselectrical/magnetic properties, and an individual organism has uniqueelectrical/magnetic properties.

I. The properties can be measured using any mechanism which measures theproperties.

A. The properties can be measured using any mechanism which uses a DC,AC, electric field, magnetic field, and/or EM field.

B. The properties can be measured using contact and/or non-contactmethods.

C. The properties can be measured by positioning the organism inrelation to the applied energy:

1. as part of an energy flow

2. interrupting an energy flow

3. responding to an energy field by generating its own energy flow

The properties can be measured using induced currents.

D. The properties can be measured for a single body segment or formultiple segments. Multiple segments can be compared with each other,i.e., a measured segment from the left hand can be compared to ameasured segment on the right hand.

E. The properties can be measured using one or more frequencies.

F. The properties can be measured using one or more waveform shapes.

G. The properties can be measured generating 3 or more dimensionalmatrices.

H. The properties can be measured using unique sensors.

1. Size

2. Flexibility

3. Moldability

I. The properties can be measured to one in one billion accuracy orgreater.

II. An individual organism can be recognized by its electrical/magneticproperties. Any of the mechanisms described in I. can be used for this.Although the absolute measurements will vary slightly from day to day,the relative ratios of the measurements will remain constant enough toderive a biometric pattern.

III. Diagnostic characteristics of an organism can be detected by itselectrical/magnetic properties.

Positioning the organism in relation to the applied energy as part of anenergy flow, and interrupting an energy flow are described in the priorart. An organism responding to an energy field by generating its ownenergy flow, such as an induced current is not. Induced currents can beused to measure the electrical/magnetic properties of an organism todetermine diagnostic characteristics such as:

A. Presence or absence of bone trauma

B. Presence or absence of tumors

C. Presence or absence of toxins

D. Levels of metabolites

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for identifying electricand/or magnetic properties of an individual living organism. Theapparatus comprises a sensing mechanism for sensing the electric and/ormagnetic properties. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for formingmatrices corresponding to the organism having at least four-dimensions.

The present invention pertains to a method for sensing an inducedcurrent in an individual living organism. The method comprises the stepsof inducing current in the organism. Then there is the step of detectingthe current induced in the organism.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for sensing an inducedcurrent in an individual living organism. The apparatus comprises amechanism for inducing current in the organism. The apparatus comprisesa mechanism for detecting the current induced in the organism.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for diagnosing a bone.The apparatus comprises a mechanism for inducing a current in the bone.The apparatus comprises a mechanism for detecting a fracture or break inthe bone.

The present invention pertains to a method for diagnosing a bone. Themethod comprises the steps of inducing a current in the bone. Then thereis the step of detecting the induced current in the bone. Next there isthe step of detecting a fracture or break in the bone.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for sensing the electricand/or magnetic properties of an individual living organism. Theapparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting electric and/ormagnetic energy into the organism. The apparatus comprises a mechanismfor receiving the electric and/or magnetic energy after it has passedthrough the organism.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a computer. Themethod comprises the steps of sensing a non-visible attribute of anindividual. Then there is the step of recognizing the individual. Nextthere is the step of accessing the computer by the individual.

The present invention pertains to a method for secure communicationbetween an individual at a first location and a second location. Themethod comprises the steps of sensing a non-visible attribute of anindividual. Then there is the step of recognizing the individual. Nextthere is the step of allowing the individual to communicate with thesecond location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may readily be carried into practice, oneembodiment will now be described in detail, by way of non-limitingexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram illustrating one preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a periodic controller connectedto a current generator.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of a hand attached to a biometricsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a representative graph of resistance measurement valuesplotted against multi-frequencies.

FIGS. 5a-5 f are charts of subjects regarding impedance and finger.

FIGS. 6a-6 e are charts of subjects regarding impedance and finger.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative embodiments illustrating the biometricrecognition system utilized in a keyboard and mouse.

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing the biometric recognition system ofthe present invention incorporated into the handpiece of a firearm.

FIG. 10 is an illustration showing the biometric recognition systemincorporated into a wrist watchband.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method of the invention.

FIGS. 12a and 12 b are side and overhead views of a non-contactapparatus for the interruption of an electric field of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for sensingelectric or magnetic properties of an organism.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of an. apparatus for sensing themagnetic properties of an organism.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for inducingcurrent longwise in an organism.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the flow of induced currentfrom the heel of the palm lengthwise to the finger tips.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for themeasurement of induced current in regard to a stationary hand.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for themeasurement of induced current in regard to a moving hand.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for inducingcurrent in an organism using an electromagnetic field.

FIG. 20 is alternative embodiment of an apparatus for inducing currentin an organism with an electric and/or magnetic field.

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for sensing theinterruption of an electromagnetic field.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of sensing electric and/ormagnetic properties based upon reflection of electromagnetic radiationfrom an organism.

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for measuring theinterruption of an electromagnetic field by measuring only the electricfield.

FIGS. 24-33 are circuit diagrams for an apparatus for sensing electricor magnetic properties of a hand piece or mouse or keyboard.

FIG. 34 is a schematic representation of a side view of a hand unit.

FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of an overhead view of a handunit.

FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of a keyboard having electrodes.

FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of a hand grasping a mouse havingelectrodes.

FIG. 38 is a schematic representation of a mouse having electrodes.

FIG. 39 is a side view of a wrist band having electrodes.

FIG. 40 is a schematic representation of electrode placement and currentpath of measurement from the palm to the thumb.

FIG. 41 is a two-dimensional impedance plot corresponding to theelectrode placement of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of measurement sites for back tofront capacitive plate measurements from the palm to the thumb.

FIG. 43 is a two dimensional impedance plot regarding resistance at asingle frequency corresponding to the measurement sites of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a schematic representation of measurement sites from the palmto each finger-tip.

FIG. 45 is a three-dimensional plot at a single frequency regardingmeasurements from the measurement sites of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a four-dimensional plot at four different frequencies fromthe palm to each finger-tip.

FIG. 47 is a schematic representation of electrodes for one finger.

FIG. 48 is a three-dimensional plot at a single frequency from electrodeto electrode for one finger as shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a four-dimensional plot at a single frequency from electrodeto electrode for each finger.

FIG. 50 is a schematic representation of an acoustic beam at a singlefrequency passing through the thumb from the side of the thumb.

FIG. 51 is a two-dimensional acoustic plot at a single frequencyregarding FIG. 50 where the plot is of amplitude versus time.

FIG. 52 is a schematic representation of acoustic energy at a singlefrequency passing through the side, center and other side of the thumbby varying the location of the thumb relative to the acoustic energy.

FIG. 53 is a three-dimensional plot regarding FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a four-dimensional plot at four different frequencies throughthe side, center and other side of the thumb.

FIG. 55 is a five-dimensional plot with sine, square and rampedwaveforms at four different frequencies through the side, center andother side of the thumb.

FIG. 56 is a five-dimensional plot at three different frequencies fromelectrode to electrode for each finger.

FIG. 57 is a six-dimensional plot with sine, ramped and square waveforms at three different frequencies from electrode to electrode foreach finger.

FIG. 58 is a five-dimensional plot with sine, square and rampedwaveforms at four different frequencies from the palm to eachfinger-tip.

FIG. 59 is a picture of a bone with an arrow representing normal currentin a bone.

FIG. 60 is a picture of a bone having a fracture or reak with currentinterrupted due to the fracture or break.

FIG. 61 is a schematic representation of a galvanometer at 0 currentreading relative to a bone having a fracture or break where the currenthas been induced by an apparatus which induces current in a bone.

FIG. 62 is a schematic representation of a galvanometer showing normalcurrent in a healthy bone where the current has been induced by anapparatus which induces current in a bone.

FIG. 63 is a drawing, actual size, of a 1 cm and 1.25 cm diameterelectrode.

FIG. 64 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional enlarged viewof an electrode.

FIG. 65 is a side view of an electrode.

FIG. 66 shows a flip-up sensor.

FIG. 67 shows an acoustic mechanism for generation of direct current.

FIG. 68 shows an acoustic apparatus for the generation of alternatingcurrent and magnetic fields.

FIG. 69 shows an apparatus for detection of direct current oralternating current induced by acoustic energy.

FIG. 70 shows an apparatus for the detection of alternating currentinduced by acoustic energy.

FIG. 71 shows an apparatus which produces an acoustic wave by electricand/or magnetic energy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantagesare best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-11 of the drawings, likenumerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the variousdrawings.

Before explaining the present invention in its best mode, a generalexplanation of electrical and magnetic properties will help to provide abetter understanding of the invention. For purposes herein the term“field” herein includes but is not limited to waves, current, flux,resistance, potential, radiation or any physical phenomena includingthose obtainable or derivable from the Maxwell equations, incorporatedby reference herein.

The electrical conductivity of a body segment depends upon a number offactors including the length and cross-sectional area of a segment oftissue and the composition of tissue including lean and fatty tissue.There may be day to day variations in conductivity and other electricalmeasurements due to body weight adjustments and changes in body fluidsand electrolyte composition but the changes are fairly consistentthrough the different body segments being analyzed because of thesystemic physical characteristics of each organism. For instance, it iswell known in regard to clinical impedance measurements that theimpedance variations in a subject due to physiological changes, aresmaller than the variability among normal subjects. See “CRC Handbook ofBiological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields”, generally andspecifically pages 8, 9 and 76, incorporated by reference herein.

When measuring electrical and/or magnetic properties of an individualfor biometric recognition purposes whether applying energy by thecontact method or by the non-contact method, several differentmeasurements may be utilized such as, impedance, resistance, reactance,phase angle; current, or voltage differential, across a measured bodysegment. For instance, impedance is a function of two components, thatbeing the resistance of the tissue to the flow of current and reactancewhich is additional opposition to the current due to capacitant effectof membranes, tissue interfaces, and other biocapacitant tissue.

Many bioimpedance measurements in the prior art depend on the assumptionthat the relationship of body composition such as body fluid and tissuemass is dynamic, and that fluctuations occur. As fluids increase in thetissue, the bioimpedance signal decreases in value because the segmentbeing measured has an increase in conductive potential due to theincrease in fluid volume. Increases in segmental fluid volume willdecrease bioimpedance values. Decreases in segmental fluid will decreasethe conductive potential and thus increase the bioimpedance value.However, it is known for the operation of the present invention that thedaily fluctuation is consistent systemically through the body and theoverall ratio between impedance values taken from different segments ofa body part will remain constant.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 describes a preferred embodimentutilizing an electrical current applied directly to the body part of atesting individual through surface contacting electrodes for generatinga biometric pattern of the testing organism. Biometric recognitionsystem 10 is a device wherein the electric and/or magnetic properties ofa body segment is measured by applying an input electrical signal in theform of a constant magnitude current to the body segment tissue andmeasuring the resulting voltage. Since R=V/I, the measured voltageyields either a relative or calculated resistance. The voltage orresistance pattern is unique for an individual.

It is also contemplated in the present invention that a constantmagnitude voltage signal is applied to the tissue and the resultingcurrent is used to determine the bioelectrical characteristics of thetesting segment.

For purposes of description, the contact system of the present inventiondescribed below uses a constant magnitude alternating current source,but direct current may be used especially in some devices that mayrequire the introduction of an internal battery for a power source. Inthe event direct current is used in the contact system, an oscillatormay be used to convert the direct current to an alternating current. Thesystem 10 comprises a current generator 12 which is connected toexcitation electrodes 14, 16 positioned on a body part of a testingindividual, such as a hand shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. System 10 furthercomprises an analyzer 22 which is connected and receives an outputvoltage signal from receiver electrodes 18 and 20. The analyzer 22receives the voltage output signal which is produced between electrodescaused by a flow of current between electrodes 18 and 20 in response tothe current flowing from current generator 12. The current generatorcomprises a current source for generating a constant magnitude current.The identification system of the present invention may utilize acontinuous, constant magnitude current or periodic, constant magnitudecurrent. Periodic signals may include sinusoidal, square wave, ramp andsawtooth. Generally, the constant current magnitude ranges from about 1microamp to 4 milliamps. Typically, the. signal frequency may be betweenabout 40 Hz to about 400 MHZ which is a frequency magnitude range withinaccepted risk standards for electrically susceptible humans. The presentinvention may utilize a single, predetermined frequency or multiple,variable frequencies within the above disclosed range. It should benoted that any frequency other than that described above may also beused in the present invention as long as electrical and/or magneticproperties of. the tissue can be measured accurately. A disadvantage tousing frequencies below 40 Hz can be that the measurements take longerand longer fractions of a second to complete. This can lengthen theoverall time required to obtain a biometric pattern.

Each different frequency applied in the system has a different effect inthe body segment due to membrane physiology, and tissue structure andcomposition, with accompanying changes in capacitance and inductance.When using multiple frequencies during the testing mode the outputsignals provide a unique biometric measurement pattern that ispredictive of the individual being tested. The same is also true forchanging waveform, angular frequency, capacitance and inductance at asingular frequency, as additional examples.

If a periodic, constant magnitude current is preferred, currentgenerator 12 may be connected to a controller 24 which is capable ofgenerating periodic output signal to control the current generator asshown in FIG. 2. Bioimpedance measurement systems using a periodicconstant current are well known in the art and described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,503,157, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The output signal of the current generator, is transmitted to excitationelectrodes 14 and 16 through connectors and 13 respectively. Forpurposes of illustration, FIG. 1 shows a tetrapolar electrode placementin which two of the electrodes are active for injecting the currentwhile two electrodes are passive for detecting the resultant signal. Itis contemplated that a bipolar setup or two electrodes may be utilizedin the present invention especially in systems having minimum surfacearea for placement of electrodes.

In the tetrapolar electrode system the first excitation electrode 14 maybe positioned on the palm heel of the hand while the second excitationelectrode 16 is positioned on the palmar tip of the thumb. Similarelectrode pairs may be placed and spaced a sufficient distance from eachother to provide a drop in voltage on the remaining four digits so thatthe hand will have at least five distinct segments to be tested. This isby way of example only since other electrode configurations may also beused with the present method.

The present invention prefers the tetrapolar setup of electrodes toovercome the inconsistency that may occur in the impedance measurementvalues due to external contact resistance. External resistance maychange significantly with certain specific changes such as those due toskin moisture. As such, this can be improved by using a tetrapolarsystem. The tetrapolar electrode system is superior to other electrodesystems in that it eliminates both electrode polarization and alsocontact resistance effects between the electrodes and the body partbeing measured. Contact resistance is variable with the motion of thesubject and creates motion artifacts which interfere with measurement ofelectrical parameters of the body. By applying the current to thesubject through one pair of electrodes and measuring voltage differencesthrough another pair of electrodes, the contact resistance and theinherent voltage drop is eliminated from the voltage measurement. Thepath the energy takes is not critical, except that it should approximatethe path taken for obtaining the reference pattern.

It should be understood that in some systems of the present invention,the injection of current and the sensing of the voltage may beaccomplished with two electrodes for the bioelectric measurements.However, as stated earlier, with the bipolar setup the measured voltagesare the voltage drops along the current pathway which include both theinternal impedance and the boundary contact impedance. The voltage dropacross the contact impedance can be significant compared with thevoltage drop across the internal impedance. To overcome this problemwhen using a two-electrode system a compound electrode may be used. Acompound electrode is a single electrode that incorporates an outerelectrode to inject the current and an inner electrode to measure thevoltage. A suitable compound electrode, for example, is disclosed byPing Hua, 1993, Electrical Impedance Tomography, IEEE Trans. Biomed.Eng., January 40 (1), 29-34, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. It should be noted that tetrapolar or compoundelectrodes are not necessary because switching can be used so thattransmission and reception from the same electrode does not occur at thesame time.

A variety of electrodes are commercially available and well known in theart such that structure and application will not be described in detail.Typically, any type of electrode known in the art that conducts anelectrical signal may be used in the present invention. Of particularutility are the current synthetic conductive polymers, includingpolyacetylene, polypyrrole, poly-3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene, conductiveadhesive polymers, semiconducting polymers, conductive silicone rubbers,and conductive rubbers all of which may be used to fabricate conductiveinserts in a biometric recognition system such as shown in FIGS. 7-10.

Unit 11, shown in FIG. 1, provides a surface for placing the measuredbody part, such as a hand. This unit may be constructed so that theconductive electrodes are mounted on the flat surface of the holder forcontact with the fingers, thumb and the palm heel. It should beunderstood that Unit 11 is only one embodiment envisioned by theinventor.

Since the bioelectrical measurements that are used to recognize anindividual include the application or generation of current in thesubject, the question of safety arises. As such, the biometric system ofthe present invention may further introduce the use of a transformerbetween the signal source generator and contacting electrodes therebyisolating the individual from potential electrical hazard. Anytransformer that will transmit the required frequency associated withthe constant current but will not conduct 300 cycles and preferably 60cycles or higher of voltage in current may be utilized in this system.

Impedance to the current flow in the body segment generates a voltagedifference across the body segment. The amplitude of the voltage ismodulated by changes in the body segment's electrical conductivitycaused by differences in tissues and structures. Receiving electrodes 18and 20, positioned between the excitation electrodes, in thisembodiment, are used to measure the voltage difference produced by theinjected current through the measured segment of the body part. Thereceiving electrodes are generally the same types as that used forexcitation electrodes. A voltage signal proportional to the bodysegments' impedance is generated within the body segment and the voltagedifference measured between electrode 18 and 20 is an alternatingvoltage produced in response to the constant magnitude alternatingcurrent. The voltage detector 28 may be any type well known to designersof electronic circuitry such as a voltmeter, potentiometer and the like.

Voltage detector 28 can be of the type that detects the magnitude of thevoltage signal and also detects the phase relation between thealternating voltage and the alternating current producing the voltage.Therefore, both the resistive and reactive components of impedance maybe measured. This type of detector is well known to electrical designersand often termed synchronous detectors. Impedance measuring systemsutilizing synchronous detectors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,871,359 and 5,063,937, the contents of which are incorporated byreference herein.

Before the voltage signal is received by the voltage detector 28 anddepending on the strength of the signal, an amplifier 26 may beconnected between the signal received from the receiver electrodes 18and 20 and the voltage detector. The amplifiers which can beadvantageously used in the present invention are well known and widelyused in electronic circuitry art. A suitable amplifier to be used in thepresent invention will take a signal less than a millivolt and amplifyit to volts, will produce a large voltage gain without significantlyaltering the shape or frequencies present, and provide accuratemeasurements.

It is further contemplated in the present invention to provide a meansto eliminate noise from the signal. As such, a differential amplifiermay be used in the present invention to remove background noise. If adifferential amplifier is used another electrode will need to be addedto the bioimpedance system to serve as a common ground.

Once the voltage signal is measured, the signal may be directed throughan analog to digital converter 30 and the digital signal is directedinto a microprocessor 32 which can automatically and instantaneouslycalculate impedance or any of the other bioelectrical characteristics ofthe body segment. Any general purpose computer or one capable ofperforming various mathematical operations on the voltage inputinformation may be used in the present invention. A typical mathematicaloperation contemplated on the signal within the scope of this inventionis the division of one impedance value by a subsequent detectedimpedance value from a second segment of a body part to compute acomparative ratio. The computation of a representative bioimpedancemeasurement pattern is illustrated by referring to FIG. 3. The voltagedifference in each of five different segments that being A, B, C, D, andE are detected and subsequently a comparative ratio is determined bydividing one signal detected by a subsequent detected value. As anexample A/A, B/A, C/A, D/A and E/A are computed and the resultant valuesgive four comparative ratios for the body part for a predeterminedfrequency. This yields a ratio of each finger to the thumb, forinstance. Then when measurements are taken on another day, even thoughthe absolute measurements will vary, the ratios are still the same(towithin 0-6%). If the frequency is then changed, another set ofcomparative ratios may be determined for the same body part. The morefrequencies applied the larger the set of comparative ratios which maybe used as a unique representative bioimpedance measurement pattern.FIG. 4 shows a set of the comparative ratios identified above, withseries 1 (the thumb) set to 10. The frequencies measured were in Hz (onthe horizontal axis 1-15):

10

20

50

100

200

500

1,000

2,000

5,000

10,000

20,000

50,000

100,000

200,000

500,000.

Frequency #10 (10,000 Hz) is an impedance resonance point for the thumb,while the fingers have resonance points around 50,000 Hz.

FIGS. 5a-5 f are charts of subjects showing impedance versus the fingersof the same subjects at different frequencies. FIGS. 6a-6 f are chartsof subjects showing impedance versus the fingers of several subjects atthe same frequency.

Another operation contemplated is the computation of impedance values orany of the other bioelectrical and/or magnetic characteristics for eachsegment for a plurality of frequencies. The results of these valuesplotted against the range of multi-frequencies will provide arepresentative bioelectric measurement pattern in the form of a uniquecurve for each body segment, for example FIG. 4 shows a plot for segmentA of FIG. 3 over a range of multi-frequencies.

The results of the computations are compared with a previously storedreference pattern stored in memory 36 to determine a match within anacceptable error range.

The results from the comparison are displayed on display unit 34 whichmay be a digital display component of the microprocessor.

While the present invention has been described using the flat handdetector, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of thedescribed system and it elements may be used in other devices to gainaccess to or activate certain secure systems. For example, FIGS. 7, 8,9, and 10 illustrate just a few of the contemplated setups and uses forthe biometric recognition utilizing unique electrical conductivityvalues of an individual.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer keyboard having electrodes imbedded inspecific keys for generating bioelectrical conductivity values. If theuser's bioelectrical pattern matches that of an authorized individualthe computer is activated and the person is allowed to log on.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment for access to a secure systemusing the mouse of a microprocessor. This system will recognizeauthorized users and prevent others from gaining access to the system.

FIG. 9 provides a system to limit the use of a weapon such as a firearmto only the authorized user. If an unauthorized individual attempts todischarged the weapon, the system will not recognize the individualthereby preventing the activation of the firing mechanism.

FIG. 10 provides for a simple recognition system that merely provides anindividual's biometric characteristic pattern. The measurementelectrodes are contained within the watchband wherein conductivityand/or other electrical values are measured in the wrist of anindividual. An auxiliary receiving system recognizes the pattern sentfrom the watch and verifies the identity of the user. This watch,emitting an unique pattern may be used to open an electronic door lockand replaces the need for a keypad or a remote control unit. FIG. 11 isa flow chart of a method of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 12,13 and 14, the present invention pertains to anapparatus 100 for recognition of an individual living organism'sidentity. The apparatus 100 comprises a sensing mechanism 101 forsensing electric and/or magnetic properties of the organism. Theapparatus 100 comprises a mechanism 102 for recognizing the organism.The recognizing mechanism 102 is in communication with the sensingmechanism 101.

Preferably, the recognizing mechanism includes a microprocessor 103having a known electric and/or magnetic property of the individualorganism. The sensing mechanism 101 preferably includes a mechanism 104for producing an electric field and/or magnetic field in the organism,and a mechanism 105 for receiving the electric field and/or magneticfield. Preferably, the producing mechanism includes a frequencygenerator 106 and an electric field transmitter 107 and/or magneticfield transmitter 107 transmitter connected to the frequency generator106, and the receiving mechanism 105 includes an electric field receiver108 and/or magnetic field receiver 108 disposed adjacent to the electricfield transmitter 108 or magnetic field transmitter and defining a testzone 110 with the electric field or magnetic field in which a portion ofthe individual organism is placed for sensing the electric or magneticproperties of the individual organism, and a detector 111 connected tothe electric field or magnetic field receiver 108 and the microprocessor103. The detector mechanism preferably measures phase or amplitude orfrequency or waveform of the electric field or magnetic field oracoustic field which extends through the test zone received by thereceiver. The apparatus 100 can include a housing 112, and thetransmitter and receiver are disposed in the housing. See also U.S. Pat.No. 4,602,639 incorporated by reference, herein.

In operation, a standard frequency generator, well known to one skilledin the art, is connected to an electric and/or magnetic fieldtransmitter, well known to one skilled in the art. For a completediscussion of designing magnetic and electric fields, see “Introductionto Electromagnetic Fields and Waves” by Erik V. Bohn, Addison-WesleyPublishing Co. (1968), incorporated by reference herein. The frequencygenerator controls and drives the electric and/or magnetic fieldtransmitter which produces an electric and/or magnetic field. Opposingthe electric and/or magnetic field transmitter in one embodiment, is anelectric and/or magnetic field receiver. Between the electric and/ormagnetic field transmitter and the electric and/or magnetic fieldreceiver is a test zone defined by the transmitter's and receiver'slocation. The test zone is where the individual organism places aportion of himself or herself, such as a hand, so the hand is in theelectric and/or magnetic field that exists between the electric and/ormagnetic field transmitter and the electric and/or magnetic fieldreceiver. The presence of the hand, or other portion, causes theelectric field and/or magnetic field to extend through the hand and theenergy of the electric and/or magnetic field is affected in a unique waycorresponding to the individual organism.

The electric and/or magnetic field receiver receives the electric and/ormagnetic field. The detector produces a signal corresponding to theelectric field and/or magnetic field received by the receiver andprovides the signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor has storedin its memory 113 a known electric and/or magnetic field signal for theindividual organism. The microprocessor calls up the stored known signaland compares it to the signal provided to the microprocessor from thedetector. If the known signal and the signal from the detector aresubstantially similar, then the individual organism is recognized.

The detector can measure phase, amplitude, frequency, waveform, etc., ofthe electric and/or magnetic field which extends through the test zoneand the portion of the individual organism in the test zone. Either anelectric field by itself, or a magnetic field by itself or a combinationof both can be present for the test zone. If frequency is used forrecognition, then preferably the frequency is DC to 500,000 Hertz. Ifcurrent is used for recognition, then preferably the current is 1microAmp to 4 mAmp. If potential energy is used for recognition, thenthe voltage is preferably 0.1 to 15 volts. If waveforms are used forrecognition, then sine, ramped, square, or combinations thereof can beused. In regard to the use of an electric field for recognition,preferably an electric field of 20 to 700V/m squared is used. In regardto the magnetic field for recognition, a magnetic field of between 100mGauss to 10 Gauss is preferred.

Basically, the hand or other portion interrupts a steady electric and/ormagnetic field, and the detector measures the amount of interruption.See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,493,039; 4,263,551; 4,370,611; and 4,881,025,incorporated by reference herein. For an electric field, themeasurements could be from the back of the hand straight through to thepalmar surface, although it would depend on how the transmitter andreceiver are positioned. If a sweeping motion of the hand is usedthrough the test zone, straight through measurements would be obtainedfirst for the thumb, and then for each of the fingers in sequence. Thisresults in five sets of data. In regard to the magnetic field, placementof the hand in the test zone would interrupt the current induced in thesecondary coil from the magnetic flux created by the primary coil, asshown in FIG. 14.

Preferably, the hand is used as an essential part of the current path. Acurrent is induced by placement of the heel of the palm over a magneticand/or electric field as shown in FIGS. 15,16,17, and 18 in theembodiment of the apparatus 10, and the induced currents at the fingertips are detected, either with a magnetic and/or electric field sensor.

The present invention pertains to a method for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The method comprises the steps ofsensing electric and/or magnetic properties of the organism. Then thereis the step of recognizing the organism from the properties.

The different embodiments described herein revolve about the fact that asubject organism by being somehow present in, or more specifically partof, a circuit that is either electrically based or magnetically based ora combination of both, interferes or affects the energy in that circuitin a unique way. By knowing how the subject individual interferes oraffects the energy in the circuit a priori, and then testing again underessentially the same conditions how the subject individual interferes oraffects the energy in the circuit, the test information can be comparedto the previously identified information, and the identity of thesubject individual can be either confirmed or rejected.

There are many ways this can be accomplished as described above. Tosummarize, these include but are not limited to the following. A contacttechnique which measures the electrical properties of the subjectindividual can be used. A contact technique which measures the magneticproperties of the subject organism can be used. A non-contact techniquewhich measures the electric and/or magnetic properties using steadyelectrical and/or magnetic field interruption can be used, as shown inFIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 21. A non-contact technique which measures theelectric/magnetic properties using induced currents from an electric ormagnetic field can be used, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22.A non-contact technique which measures the electric/magnetic propertiesusing steady electromagnetic field interruption can be used, as shown inFIG. 21. The non-contact method which measures the electric/magneticproperties by reflection of an electromagnetic field can be used, asshown in FIG. 22, and where only one field is detected as shown in FIG.23. A non-contact technique which measures the electric/magneticproperties using induced current from an electromagnetic field can beused or an acoustic field as shown in FIGS. 67-71. These are but someexamples of how electrical or magnetic properties of an individual canbe determined for recognition purposes.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism having a contact area of less than 2.0 centimeters squared toidentify an attribute of the organism. The sensing mechanism produces asignal corresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises amechanism for recognizing the organism from the attribute. The sensingmechanism is in communication with the recognizing mechanism so therecognizing mechanism receives the signal from the sensing mechanism.Preferably, the recognizing mechanism is in contact with the sensingmechanism. The contact area of the sensing mechanism is preferably lessthan 0.2 centimeters thick. In the preferred embodiment, a singleacoustic transducer having about a 1.5 cm² surface area was used todetect a biometric recognition pattern. The acoustic transducer surfaceis less than 2 mm in thickness.

FIG. 63 shows an actual size of a 1 cm diameter and 1.25 cm diameterthin electrode for sequential grasping between the thumb and fingers.FIG. 64 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrode. FIG. 65 shows aside view of the electrode. FIG. 66 shows a flip-up sensor. This sensorcan be only as thick as two pieces of metal foil and an insulator. Itcan be on a hinge so that it is flush with a surface until it is used.Then it is flipped up at right angles to the surface.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism having a thickness of less than 0.2 centimeters to identify anattribute of the organism. The sensing mechanism produces a signalcorresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises a mechanism forrecognizing the organism from the attribute. The sensing mechanism is incommunication with the recognizing mechanism so the recognizingmechanism receives the signal from the sensing mechanism.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism for sensing an attribute of the organism. The sensingmechanism produces a signal corresponding to the attribute. Theapparatus comprises a mechanism for recognizing the organism from theattribute with an accuracy of greater than one in a billion.

In the preferred embodiment, 9 out of 10 imposters can be eliminatedwith a single frequency scan. There are significant electric/magneticpattern differences at least every 50 Hertz. Scanning from 50 Hertz upto 500,000 Hertz, yields 10,000 significant patterns. If a different 9out of 10 imposters are eliminated at every different frequency, then anaccuracy is attained of 1 in 1 times 10 to the 10,000 power of people.The entire world population is only 8 times 10 to the 9 power of people,rounding to 1 times 10 to the 10 power. Accordingly, an accuracy for1,000 times the planet's population is attained. However, only adifferent 9 out of 10 imposters at 10 different frequencies are neededto be eliminated in order to be accurate for the entire world. Thepresent invention is able to eliminate a different 9 out of 10 impostersfor at least 25 different frequencies.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism which is moldable into a shape having a non-flat surface. Thesensing mechanism senses an attribute of the organism and produces asignal corresponding to the attribute. The apparatus comprises amechanism for recognizing the organism from the attribute. Therecognizing mechanism is in communication with the sensing mechanism. Inthe preferred embodiment, the sensing mechanism can be concave, flat,convex, or a combination thereof, lending them to molding into numerousdevices. The sensing mechanism simply needs to contact the skin of thesubject individual. In a preferred embodiment, plastic piezoelectricmaterial was used for the molded surface. Piezoelectric film sensors canbe purchased from the AMP Piezo Film Sensor Unit in valley Forge, Pa,incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, see “PiezocompositeTransducers A milestone in ultrasonic testing” by G. Splitt,incorporated by reference herein. In addition, rigid acoustictransducers can be curved concave, or curved convex, or beveled orfaceted surfaces can also be used.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for recognition of anindividual living organism's identity. The apparatus comprises a sensingmechanism which is flexible. The sensing mechanism senses an attributeof the organism and produces a signal corresponding to the attribute.The apparatus comprises a mechanism for recognizing the organism fromthe attribute. The recognizing mechanism is in communication with thesensing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, an acoustic biometricsensor made of plastic-type piezoelectric material, as identified above,can be used which results in a flexible sensing mechanism.

Preferably, the sensing mechanism is made of rubber, plastic, metal,mineral or ceramic or composites. Because an electrode need only to beable to contact the skin of the subject individual, the electrodesurface can be flexible. By being able to bend or compress, flexibleelectrodes can be built into a watch and its bands or jewelry or itemsof clothing, leather luggage or plastic credit cards without any affecton the functionality of the article being attached with the flexibleelectrode. For instance, there can be a plastic identity card with aname and picture, and a thumb electrode on one side and two or threefinger electrodes on the other side. The card can be slid one quarterinch down into a reader and the electrodes grasped. The reader comparesthe pattern of the subject individual who is contacting the thumbelectrode and two or three finger electrodes to the pattern stored onthe card.

Referring to FIGS. 24-33, there are shown the circuit diagrams regardinga preferred embodiment of the apparatus for recognition that can beconnected to sensors or electrodes. Except as indicated, all decimalcapacitance values are in μF, and all whole-number capacitances are inpF. All resistances are in ohms.

The system contains a waveform-generation stage, a waveform-detectionstage, and associated digital logic. The system allows up to 8connections to a person for measurement.

The frequency range of the waveform-generation stage is approximately 75Hz to 1.2 MHZ. To generate this signal, a voltage-controlled oscillator(U13) is used. The voltage used to tune the oscillator is generated byU11, a 12-bit D/A converter. This converter conveniently uses a serialinput, so only 3 wires are required from the microcontroller to set thevoltage output instead of the customary 12. The VCO tunes fromapproximately 300 kHz to 1.2 MHZ, a coverage range of approximately 1 to4. Output from the VCO is approximately a square wave. The VCO is fedinto a 12-bit ripple counter, U15, in order to make lower frequenciesavailable. The ripple counter is wired to divide the VCO outputfrequency by powers of 4; e.g., the output frequency is divided by 1, 4,16, 64, 256, 1024, or 4096. One of these outputs is selected by quadNAND gates U5 and U6. Each possible divisor is assigned to one input ofits own NAND gate. The other input from each gate is set by themicrocontroller to enable the correct divisor only. As themicrocontroller has a limited number of pins, an 8-bit parallel outputserial shift register, U14, is used to reduce the number of connectionsrequired from 7 to 2 by allowing the NAND gate mask to be transmittedserially from the microcontroller.

As the D/A and VCO sections may exhibit some frequency drift over time,one of the divider outputs is connected to one of the microcontrollerI/O pins. This permits the microcontroller, which contains a timereference which is locked to a ceramic resonator, to determine theactual VCO frequency for calibration purposes. The accuracy of thisdetermination is limited by the resonator's tolerance and is 1% orbetter.

The outputs of the NAND gates are shaped with RC filters to limit thespectrum of the output waveform to what is intended. As square wavescontain a very high-frequency component at the time of each statetransition, the wave shapes are modified so that they are somewhatrounded. This ensures that the frequency being measured by thewaveform-measurement stage is the frequency which was intended formeasurement.

After the RC filters, the frequency-divided outputs are summed to acommon point and passed through a capacitor to remove the DC bias. Notethat only one output should be transmitted at a time (although it ispossible to program the microprocessor to output multiple frequencies,this is not normal operation). The signal is fed, with the DC biasremoved, to a CMOS analog multiplexer, U7, to distribute the signal to apoint on the subject's hand; e.g., a finger or the wrist. The signal atthis stage is approximately 1 volt peak to peak. U7, by the way, takesits address and enable inputs from another parallel output serial shiftregister, U9, for the same reasons that U14 is present elsewhere.

The waveform-measurement stage begins with a set of eight inputamplifiers based on the LT1058 quad JFET input precision high-speedop-amp (U3, U4). Its pin-compatible with many other quad op-ampsincluding the LM324. The LM324 cuts off around 20 kHz, and response past1 MHZ is needed. The voltage gain is set at 2:1 but can be adjusted byaltering resistor values. The issue is ensuring that sensitivity isadequate without overloading the analog MUX inputs on U8. Remember thatthe full output of the waveform-generation stage will be on one of theMUX pins, while the low level at another pin is being routed to thedetector.

The CMOS analog multiplexer, U8, is used to route the signal from theappropriate hand connection (e.g., finger or wrist) to the detector. Theaddress and enable inputs for this MUX also come from U9.

A half-wave diode detector is used to rectify the AF or RF signal andprovide a DC level which is usable by the A/D converter. Because thediode has a forward voltage drop of around 0.3 V, a 0.3 V bias voltageis used to keep the diode at the threshold of conduction for smallsignal detection. The bias voltage is generated by reference to anidentical diode.

The A/D converter, U10, is microprocessor compatible meaning that itsoutputs can be switched to high impedance. This permits the sameconnections to be used for other purposes. Of the eight output pins,seven are dedicated to the A/D converter, but one doubles as the datapin for the serial input chips, U9, U11, and U14. This works because themicrocontroller lines are bidirectional, and the serial input chips arenot clocked during A/D transfers to the microcontroller. To furthercomplicate things, the ten A/D output bits are stuffed into eight wires,meaning two wires are used to read two bits each. This is accomplishedby initiating two read cycles from the microcontroller.

The microcontroller, U16, is a BASIC Stamp II from Parallax, Inc. It hasa built-in serial interface with a line receiver, “fakes” a linetransmitter with a resistor (works for most computers, but some mighthave trouble as the logic levels aren't standard-see the documentationfrom Parallax), 16 I/O lines, 26 bytes RAM, 2048 bytes EEPROM, and aBASIC interpreter in ROM. The controller is very easy to use andprograms in a BASIC dialect. It should be noted: pin 3 of U16 must beconnected when programming the microcontroller, but must be disconnectedimmediately after programming and prior to use. This disconnection isshown on FIG. 33.

To read an impedance, the following steps must be performed by themicrocontroller. This is generally in communication with a host computersuch as a notebook computer running Windows 98 and appropriate software.The microcontroller software is already written, and serves to acceptcommands from the host computer and return readings as appropriate.

1. Set the D/A converter to output a voltage which causes the VCO tooscillate at the desired frequency. This is within a range of 300 kHz to1.2 MHZ. This step is performed by sending a 12-bit signal to the D/Aconverter via the 3-wire serial interface A0, A11, and A12.

2. The frequency output by the VCO should be measured by counting thepulses on the appropriate microcontroller pin (A13) over a fixed periodof time. The D/A converter output can be adjusted as necessary to ensurethat the correct frequency is produced. (This step can be done either inreal time, or more preferably as a pre-operation sequence to produce afrequency calibration curve. The unit will not drift appreciably duringa usage session, but might over weeks or months. It also requires thisfrequency calibration prior to being placed in service. This step can beentirely user-transparent.)

3. The input and output MUX channels (fingers or wrist) must beselected. This is done by sending an 8-bit signal to U9 via the 2-wireserial interface A0 and A10.

4. The appropriate frequency divider output (1, 4, 16, 64, 256, 1024, or4096) must be selected. This is done by sending an 8-bit signal (7 bitsare used) to U14 via the 2-wire serial interface A0 and A14.

5. A brief settling time (10 ms is adequate) should occur to allow thecapacitor in the signal detector to reach equilibrium with the newmeasured value.

6. The A/D converter is read. This is accomplished using A0 through A7for data, A8 and A9 for control. The chip is actually read twice toobtain all ten bits of the result; refer to the manufacturer'sdocumentation. Do not forget to set A0 as an input pin for this step; itis used at other times as an output pin for serial data.

The data read by the A/D converter will require numeric adjustment viasome calibration curve to represent an actual impedance. This curve willbe sensitive to frequency on account of the RC filters and frequencyresponse of the input amplifiers, MUX, and signal detector circuit. A“calibration plug” with fixed impedances in place of a handpiece hasbeen fabricated to allow the system to produce calibration curves forthis purpose.

7. A15 is connected to a piezo buzzer to allow the microcontroller tomake appropriate noises as desired by the programmer. Alternatively, A15may be used to drive a small speaker through appropriate circuitry-themicrocontroller can generate as many as two audio frequencies at a timeon this pin using pulse width modulation.

For a discussion regarding transducers and acoustics generally, see“Encyclopedia of Acoustics” by Malcolm J. Crocker, John W. Ley & Sons,Inc., incorporated by reference herein.

There are various embodiments for biometric units such as hand units 125that are used for recognition purposes. These hand units can be used asa key to start or allow access to a computer, vehicle or other object. Asignature signal is sent by wiring, or by transmission, to a computer.The computer processes the signal and either compares it to a knownsignature signal of the organism already stored in the computer'smemory, or prepares it for further transmission to a remote location, orboth. Alternatively, instead of simply allowing access or activating acomputer once recognition is attained, a constant signal of the personholding or operating the hand unit, mouse or the keyboard can be sentfrom the computer through a modem either directly to a remote party orthrough the Internet to assure the party at the remote site that theperson at the keyboard or mouse who is in communication with the remoteparty, is the desired person. In this latter scenario, the assurance isthen maintained over time that the person who has the proper recognitionto activate the computer does not then turn the control of the computerover to a third party who does not otherwise have access to thecomputer, and appropriate the computer for subsequent operations underthe authorized persons name, such as sending or obtaining information orpurchasing goods or services from a remote location which requires theidentity of the authorized person. The computer can also keep a log ofwho accessed a site and when.

Generally, six electrodes are used for hand units. All connections aremade through the 9 pin connector that is standard on the back of acomputer tower or desktop, although the 25 pin printer port can also beused. The pins used on the 9 pin connector are the same ones for eachhand unit. The electrodes can be conductive metallic foil, plastic, orrubber. They can be flat (about 2 centimeters times 2 centimeters) ormolded for finger tips (taking into account the large variations insize). For a simple hand unit that will be used for recognition, a flatreversible hand unit can be used for the right or left hand as shown inFIGS. 34 and 35. Electrodes are placed in the following regions: 1) heelof the palm (a long electrode strip or a single small electrode movableon a spring); 2) thumb tip; 3) index finger tip; 4) middle finger tip;5) ring finger tip; 6) little finger. The hand unit must be adaptablefor large or small hands. It is made out of clear plexiglass for eachsurface. There is a hollowed out area for the heel of the palm to fitinto, and also for the finger tips. The entire hand area could behollowed out a little to produce more consistent hand placement. Thehand piece is fabricated using brass inserts pressed through plasticsheets for the electrodes.

In regard to a keyboard 126 as shown in FIG. 36, electrodes can beplaced at the (t), (7), (9), (p) keys and a 4 centimeter strip can beplaced on the left end of the space-bar and a palm strip on the lowerframe of the keyboard. Conductive rubber keys for the keyboard, at leastat these locations, would be preferred. This embodiment on a keyboardwould be appropriate for activation as opposed to continuous indicationof the presence of an authorized user, since the user would not be ableto maintain contact with all the electrodes continuously. The wiringfrom the electrodes on the keyboard can run with the normal keyboardwiring to the computer, or to the 9-pin or 25-pin connections.

A mouse 128, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 could also be prepared forrecognition. Conductive foil strips or imbedded conductive polymers thatattach flat to the surface of the mouse for the palm and each finger tipwould allow easy grasping over time of the mouse. A variation ofrequiring the user to continually hold the mouse along the foil stripscan be established, where a time period exists which requires the userto grip the mouse at least once during each time period so the computeris not shut off. The keyboard and mouse preferably use Compac aluminizedtape with conductive adhesive for the electrodes. The wiring from theelectrodes on the mouse can run with the normal keyboard wiring to thecomputer, or to the 9-pin or 25-pin connections.

A wrist band 129, as shown in FIG. 39, made of elastic material can beused to simulate a wrist watch. Electrodes can be conductive foilattached to the inside of the band. A transmitter of the wrist band cantransmit the individual's signature obtained with the electrodes by thepush of a transmission button or by periodic automatic transmission. Thetransmission of the signature will then be received by a device thatwill have or has access to the person's known signature, and recognitionwill then be confirmed or denied for whatever the application orpurpose. For instance, the watch can be activated by proximity to a wallunit. The wall unit recognizes the watch and gives entry. For this, thewall unit would. recognize the watch on the person. Basically, the wholetransmission is proximity detected. The watch has a transmitter andreceiver. The wall unit emits a radio signal which is received by thereceiver of the watch, causing the watch to transmit the biometricsignal. The wall unit receiver receives it and compares it with knownauthorized signatures. If a match occurs, the wall unit allows currentto flow to a lock mechanism in the door, disengaging the door lock sothe door can be opened. The wrist band could be used with a personalarea network, see “Personal Area Networks: Near-Field IntrabodyCommunication” by T. G. Zimmerman, Systems Journal, Vol. 35, No. 314,1996, MIT Media Lab, incorporated by reference herein.

In a preferred embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 40-58,multidimensional matrices such as three and four dimensional matricesare formed for recognition purposes. Acoustic biometric scans canproduce three-dimensional patterns at one frequency, andfour-dimensional patterns at multiple frequencies. The electric/magnetictechniques described herein produced two-dimensional scans at a singlefrequency and three-dimensional matrices when multiple frequencies areused in regard to a single segment of the subject organism. In theelectric/magnetic techniques, if there are multiple sensors along thecurrent path, such as shown in FIGS. 40, 42 and 44 there would be forinstance 8 different readings for the palm to thumb-tip current, at onefrequency. That would produce a two-dimensional reading for the thumband a three-dimensional plot for all five fingers. Extending this tomultiple frequencies would yield a four-dimensional plot of the subjectorganism, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 49. By varying the waveform andswitching patterns, five and six-dimensional matrices as shown in FIGS.56-58 are attained .

Scans on the thumb of several people all at a single frequency resultedin unique signatures corresponding with the individuals which allowedfor easy identification of the individuals. For a single frequency scan,in its simplest form, a two-dimensional plot was obtained, withamplitude on the Y axis, and time on the x axis as shown in FIGS. 50 and51. For a multiple frequency scan, a three-dimensional plot was obtainedwith frequency on the Z axis. The mode that was used to obtain theresult was the “radar”, type mode, with a single transducer working inwhat is known as the “pulse-echo mode”. Preferably, only one transducerwas used and excellent results were achieved, although more than onetransducer could have been used.

In the radar type mode, the acoustic energy was transmitted by thesingle transducer in contact with the skin of the subject organism. Theacoustic energy was released essentially in a well defined short burstand as the energy passed through the subject organism, portions of itover time were reflected as the energy moved thr ough the soft a nd hardtissue of the subject organism. The echo or reflection of the energyback to the transducer over time yielded the signature of the subjectorganism.

In its more complex and preferable form, three-dimensional scans wereproduced at a single frequency. One side of the thumb was scanned to theother, for a total of 25-35 scans per person. Each single scale wastwo-dimensional, and when combined in a group, with location plotted onthe Z axis, yielded a three-dimensional ultrasonic topography of thethumb, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53. If the three-dimensional ultrasonictopography is extended to multiple frequencies, a four-dimensional plotresults, with frequency on the W axis, as shown in FIG. 54. If waveformis varied, a five-dimensional plot results, as shown in FIG. 55.

In the preferred embodiment, medical frequencies in the low MHZ range(2.25 MHZ; 0.7 to 1.8 millimeters wavelength) were used and were able todetect all the detail necessary, and even actually more than necessary,to obtain a unique signature. This is why a two-dimensional scan at asingle frequency is able to be obtained.

It should be appreciated that although the detection of induced currentcan be used for biometric recognition, the detection of induced currentcan be used for other purposes such as for diagnostic purposes includingbone. In a normal bone, an induced current will flow through the bonesince the bone is a conductor, as is well known in the art. See,“Radiofrequency Radiation Dosimetry Handbook”, Fourth Edition, October,1986; USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Medical Division(AFSC), Brooks Air Force Base, Tex. 78235-5301, incorporated byreference herein. See FIG. 59. However, when the bone has a fracture orbreak in it, the current will be interrupted due to the break orfracture and will prevent the current from flowing or substantiallyreduce the current from flowing that would have otherwise flowed if thebone did not have a break or fracture. As shown in FIG. 61, an apparatusfor inducing an electric current in the bone, as described above, canhave a galvanometer which reads the current flow which is induced in thebone, or in the case of a fracture or break, the lack thereof. FIG. 62shows an apparatus to induce current in the bone with a galvanometerthat shows expected and normal current flow through the bone.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for identifying electricand/or magnetic properties-of an individual living organism. Theapparatus comprises a sensing mechanism for sensing the electric ormagnetic properties. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for formingmatrices corresponding to the organism having at least four-dimensions.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for diagnosing a bone.The apparatus comprises a mechanism for inducing a current in the bone.The apparatus comprises a mechanism for detecting a fracture or break inthe bone.

The present invention pertains to a method for diagnosing a bone. Themethod comprises the steps of inducing a current in the bone. Then thereis the step of detecting the induced current in the bone. Next there isthe step of detecting a fracture or break in the bone.

The present invention pertains to a method for sensing an inducedcurrent in an individual living organism. The method comprises the stepsof inducing current in the organism. Then there is the step of detectingthe current induced in the organism. Preferably, the detecting mechanismdetects a characteristics of the organism associated with the inducedcurrent.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for sensing an inducedcurrent in an individual living organism. The apparatus comprises amechanism for inducing current in the organism. The apparatus comprisesa mechanism for detecting the current induced in the organism.Preferably, the detecting mechanism detects a characteristics of theorganism associated with the induced current.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for sensing the electricand/or magnetic properties of an individual living organism. Theapparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting electric and/ormagnetic energy into the organism. The apparatus comprises a mechanismfor receiving the electric and/or magnetic energy after it has passedthrough the organism.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a computer. Themethod comprises the steps of sensing a non-visible attribute of anindividual. Then there is the step of recognizing the individual. Nextthere is the step of accessing the computer by the individual.

The present invention pertains to a method for secure communicationbetween an individual at a first location and a second location. Themethod comprises the steps of sensing a non-visible attribute of anindividual. Then there is the step of recognizing the individual. Nextthere is the step of allowing the individual to communicate with thesecond location.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for sensing the electricand/or magnetic properties of an individual living organism. Theapparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting acoustic energy intothe organism. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for receiving electricand/or magnetic energy generated in the organism due to the acousticenergy after it has interacted with the organism.

The present invention pertains to a method for sensing the electricand/or magnetic properties of an individual living organism. The methodcomprises the steps of transmitting acoustic energy into the organism.Then there is the step of receiving electric and/or magnetic energygenerated in the organism due to the acoustic energy after it hasinteracted with the organism.

Impedance and phase angle resonance frequencies can also be used forrecognition. For instance, a person can grasp a transducer with thethumb and forefinger with the transducer providing a multifrequency scanpoint of the thumb and forefinger. Each organism for a given bodysegment has a unique impedance or phase angle resonance frequency thatcan be used to recognize the organism.

FIG. 67 shows the acoustic generation of direct current. An acousticgenerating system provides energy to a piezoelectric material. Theacoustic energy will travel through the body segments and a directcurrent will be generated. The direct current will be generated in thesemi-conductor structures. FIG. 68 shows the acoustic generation ofalternating current and magnetic fields. An alternating current will begenerated in the semi-conductor structures whose natural oscillatingfrequency matches the acoustic frequency. This will in turn produce amagnetic field. FIG. 69 shows the detection of direct current oralternating current induced by acoustic energy. The acoustic generatingsystem is connected to the piezoelectric material which results inacoustic energy traveling through the body segments. In turn directcurrent results which is detected by electric field detectors such ascapacitors. FIG. 70 shows the detection of alternating current inducedby acoustic energy. At a single frequency the locations are mapped outof the structures producing the alternating current, by detection withmagnetic field detectors. FIG. 71 shows an acoustic wave induced byelectric and/or magnetic energy. The acoustic analysis system receivesinduced acoustic waves from an acoustic transducer which results fromelectric/magnetic energy interacting with the body segments that havearisen from an electric and/or magnetic transmitter.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoingembodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be madetherein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention except as it may be described by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for diagnosing a bone comprising: amechanism for inducing a current flow through the bone; and agalvanometer for measuring current flow through the bone to detect thepresence or absence of a fracture or break in the bone.
 2. A method fordiagnosing a bone comprising the steps of: inducing a current in thebone; detecting the induced current flow through the bone with agalvanometer; and analyzing the detected current flow through the boneto determine the presence or absence a fracture or break in the bone. 3.An apparatus for detecting a unique electrical/magnetic property of aliving organism by sensing an induced current in a portion of theorganism comprising a mechanism for inducing current flow through aportion of the organism, a mechanism for detecting the current flowthrough the organism, a mechanism for analyzing the detected currentflow to establish said unique electric/magnetic property, and means forstoring a unique electrical/magnetic property of the organism, whereinthe mechanism for analyzing the detected current flow includes means forcomparing the stored property with the detected property.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the means for comparing include means foroutputting a signal indicating whether the properties are suficientlysimilar to identify the organism.